"We just have to put our best foot forward, and now we have a little bit tougher task with Kirk starting," Garcon said. "We have to play well around Kirk so Kirk doesn't feel like he has to save the team and help him to be as comfortable as possible. It's just a one-game season now. We still have to win games."

The Washington Post, citing an unnamed source, reported Tuesday that the Redskins have not ruled out starting Griffin, however. Coach Mike Shanahan said at his Monday news conference that Griffin had “definitely” not been ruled out of a potential start against Cleveland. The Post source said nothing had changed in the team's stance on Griffin.

Teammates were quick to indicate that no such announcement about Griffin or Cousins has been made to the team. Guard Chris Chester said he hadn't heard "anything about it either way" and that Garcon's statement was "probably a guess." Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander added: "I have no clue on Robert."

Redskins spokesman Tony Wyllie said the team had no comment, other than to reiterate that coach Mike Shanahan addressed the matter Monday and will give an update when practice resumes Wednesday.

Even if Shanahan is expecting Cousins to start, it would appear premature to make a final decision until it's seen whether Griffin is able to practice. Griffin's father, Robert Griffin Jr., said Monday that "we will know by Thursday" whether his son will be able to play.

The Redskins (7-6) will be challenged by the suddenly hot Browns (5-8), who have won three consecutive games and have held their opponents to a total of 38 points in that stretch.

Cleveland's defense has had no problems handling a trio of pocket passers—Charlie Batch, Carson Palmer and Brady Quinn. Cousins is in the same mold, without Griffin's dynamic running ability that can cause matchup issues in the running and passing games.

Although Garcon has great chemistry with Griffin on the field, he also caught the last-second touchdown pass from Cousins that helped the Redskins tie Sunday's game with Baltimore en route to a 31-28 win in overtime.

A trip to Cleveland also presents a homecoming of sorts for Garcon, who starred at Mount Union in nearby Alliance, Ohio. Cousins, a former Michigan State quarterback, also has plenty of experience playing big games in the Buckeye State.